Craft brewer Moon Dog’s newest venue, Moon Dog Wild West, has opened in the heart of Footscray in the old Franco Cozzo building.

With a sweeping open canyon throughout the venue, Moon Dog Wild West spans three levels, features more than 100
taps and will fit up to 800 patrons.

Moon Dog co-founder Karl van Buuren said: “We’re so excited to join the vibrant Footscray community in such an iconic location; the support has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in for a cold beer.”

Entry is via swinging saloon doors on the ground floor where the largest bar of the venue lays and a bucking bull stands as the centrepiece. Horseshoe booths, a western arcade, The Kids’ Ranch and a private dining room are also on the entrance floor.

On the first floor is the Honky Tonk bar awaits, with a the live music stage inspired by the Blues Brothers, pool tables, and a balcony outpost lounge.

Van Buuren tips that visitors should make sure to seek out a hip flask of bourbon from the secret Pianola Bar on the first floor.

The rooftop is the place to soak up sunshine amongst the city views and rooftop cacti. Patrons can enjoy tequila sunrises from the cocktail bar paired with taco trays from the cantina.

Moon Dog is serving its wide range of craft beers and seltzers alongside a variety of wines, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings, with fandango specials like Horseshoe Espresso Martinis, Tequila Sunrise Slushies and Cowboy Shots served in miniature cowboy boots.

The cocktail/shot menu is carefully curated by three times Australian Bartender of the Year, Chris Hysted-Adams.

There are gastropub classics including burgers and parmas on offer alongside fajitas, double decker tacos and a 1kg T-bone steak.

“With a venue of this size, we knew we could achieve something that hasn’t been seen before and really go bigger than we ever have,” Moon Dog CEO & co-founder Joshua Uljans said.

“We’re hoping to create somewhere for people to enjoy the outrageousness of it all!”

Moon Dog is set to open an additional two new venues this year, including Doglands, which will be opening on the Marvel Stadium concourse and it is set to hold over 1500 patrons, come July. They are also in the works for a Frankston venue set by the sea.

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